Wednesday, October 30, 2013

When we visited Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada in August, I attended a Mi'kmaq traditional Pow Wow. We had not known this was scheduled during our visit, so it was among many of the serendipities we experienced as we explored Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, often without a set plan for the day.

The silver bells on the regalia skirts enhance the sounds of the dances.

Hoop dance expertise.

The Mi'kmaq people have lived in Atlantic Canada for at least 10.000 years as a hunting, fishing, and gathering community. They graciously welcomed all who wished to attend the Pow Wow, gently teaching us the etiquette of when to stand, which ceremonies should not be photographed, etc. For the First Nation communities who organized the Pow Wow, the event is an opportunity to celebrate their rich heritage in dancing, drumming, singing, and renewing old/making new friendships. Several young people demonstrated traditional dances, carrying on ancient traditions, and people in the gathering tossed donations onto each one's blanket in appreciation. The young woman celebrating the intricate hoop dance, seen in one photo, earned money for college with her presentations.

One of the beautiful craft tables.

I think back to the Pow Wow often, remembering the warm welcome all present received, the intense drumming, the lovely crafts, the singing and dancing, the fragrant feast, and the delight the Mi'kmaq people took in their heritage and in their community. I am grateful they were generous in welcoming visitors to join their celebration. The experience reinforced my belief that the best moments on a vacation are often unplanned (although it admittedly takes plenty of planning to organize travel overall).

Lining up for the ceremonial procession at the end of the Pow Wow.

Question of the day: What are some enduring memories you have of serendipities away from home?

4 comments:

Gorgeous photos and I recall having gone to a similar type of thing way back when I was 10 and my parents took us to Florida for a vacation. Serendipity on a trip? Probably more than I'll ever remember but the one that comes to mind is coming over a hill on the interstate and seeing a home with wheat fields all around and bathed in an almost glow from the weird dark looming skies above. I even painted that scene and it is one of my own favorite paintings.

Sherry, you have a gift for painting pictures with words as well as with pencil and brush. Your comment brings similar moments to mind for me, when a scene has been unexpectedly dramatic and breathtaking in some way. Thank you for sharing your memory.

I went to a pow wow FL. It was not like the one in. Prince Edward island. The one in prince Edward island. Lookse like it's real fun. I would like to go prince Edward island and take my mom. My mom loves prince Edward island very much. I hope sometime me and my mom. Can go to prince Edward island. I want that to be on my mom buckite list. I hope she will put that down on her buckite list. For me to take my mom to prince Edward island. I love all of your art work very much. Your art is so becfulite. I am good at art and cafts. But i am kind of slow. Like i was kind of slow in school and in hight school. Like i was not good at math and spelling. I wish one day i could be good at math and spelling to. I pray every night that one day. I will be good at math and spelling. But sometimes i don't think god hear me. And want to be good at math and spelling. Will please pray for me. That one day i will be good at math and spelling again.